WASHINGTON (7News) — Howard University’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted Friday to revoke Sean “Diddy” Combs’ honorary degree and return a $1 million contribution and other gifts given by the rapper.
Sean “Diddy” Combs reacts after delivering the commencement speech at Howard University’s 146th commencement.Allison Shelley/Getty Images for DKC
The university awarded an honorary degree to Diddy in 2014. The board’s decision Friday revokes all honors and privileges associated with the degree.
His name will also be removed from all documents listing honorary degree recipients of Howard University, the board said in a statement.
This comes as Diddy is facing multiple sexual assault and rape allegations. In November, he was sued by R&B singer Cassie who said she suffered a yearslong abusive relationship with Diddy.
Howard’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted to take back Combs’ degree, which he was given by the Washington, DC-based historically black university in 2014.Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Diddy settled the lawsuit a few days after it was filed.
On Tuesday, AP reported that Diddy sold his stake in Revolt, the media company he founded over a decade ago shortly after security footage appeared to show Diddy attacking then-girlfriend Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel.
“Mr. Combs’ behavior as captured in a recently released video is so fundamentally incompatible with Howard University’s core values and beliefs that he is deemed no longer worthy to hold the institution’s highest honor,” the board said. “The University is unwavering in its opposition to all acts of interpersonal violence.”
A $1M donation from Combs was also returned.AFP via Getty Images
The board also voted to terminate a 2016 gift agreement with Diddy, disband the scholarship program in his name and return his $1 million donation given during his 2023 homecoming performance.
A 2023 pledge agreement with the Sean Diddy Combs Foundation was also terminated.
“No payments toward the $1 million pledge have been due or made by the Sean Combs Foundation as of this date, therefore no funds are due to be returned under the 2023 pledge agreement,” the board said.
